Traveling to FL Keys in April - must see dive spots?

[rashfash]

@Sportxhl: Yea, the plan is to hire a guide and there are some outfits that offer good deals and have great reviews. I'm in the process of finalizing one of them - thanks for your recommendation.

I found this virtual diving website that seems quite interesting to get an idea of the Spiegel Groove. If you haven't made a dip there yet, this might be somewhat useful: Virtual Diving - Explore your Ocean

 

[rashfash]

@Capt Gary: Thanks for the information. I will peruse through the link you have recommended.

 

[Capt Gary]

@Capt Gary: Thanks for the information. I will peruse through the link you have recommended.

Just noticed that my dive condition link wasn't the correct one in my signature. I've fixed it but here's the correct link as well. Dive Conditions @ Conch Republic Divers.

Good Diving,

 

[The Chairman]

Must do dives in the Keys?

Mike's Wreck, Snapper Ledges, French Reef and the Benwood off of Key Largo are my favorites. All have plenty of fish, lots of coral and they are SHALLOW. If you need a boat to go those places call my girl friend, Mselenaous (Elena) at the Key Largo Dive Center: (305) 451-5844.

If you want to further your training, she can provide you with that as well. She is awesome! Even if you don't use her, please drop in to say "hi". We always enjoy meeting ScubaBoarders from around the world!

 

[danvolker]

3. Besides the Keys, what are the other great or must-see diving spots in South Florida? We're there for nearly 10 days so want to get the best diving possible!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Here is the exact information you need for figuring out the must see spots in south Florida for you.... South Florida Dive Journal > page1

Extremely detailed descriptions, and a massive collection of photos showing exactly what each reef environment will feel like to you--to show you what kind of experiences are available in South Florida.

Also, the next issue ( out in about 2 weeks), will be discussing the new Dive Resort initiative in Palm Beach, where a commitment was made to create the BEST Dive Resorts in this hemisphere.
Let me know if you need more.

 

[LakeCountyDiver]

Elbow Reef off of Key Largo. The outfit Islandventures goes there a lot. Hands down the best reef dive in the keys. I would stay away from the deep wrecks since your experience is not all that great they can have some strong currents down there..

 

[The Chairman]

Elbow Reef off of Key Largo. The outfit Islandventures goes there a lot. Hands down the best reef dive in the keys. I would stay away from the deep wrecks since your experience is not all that great they can have some strong currents down there..

We're going to have to agree to agree on this, LCD! Elbow is a very unique reef for the Keys. I have only dove it three times, and it simply rocks.

 

[KWBuddy]

1. Would you recommend any dives that we should definitely not miss?

. . .

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

While this isn't exactly dive related, I'd suggest that you visit the USCGC Ingham to see one of the Treasury Class Cutters that is in excellent shape and then dive either the Duane or the Bibb in the upper Keys. That way you get to see what the ship look like before it sank.

But as others have said, it is probably best to have a guide.

--

Bud

 

[mike_s]

I've also come across some good wrecks in Key West in my research - Vanderberg, Cayman Salvage and Joe's tug.

I've never been sure why folks push diving Cayman Salvager. I mean it's an ok wreck. but nothing exciting. Just a hull and a deck. Everything else has been removed.

I mean it's better than diving in the quarry, but there are much better wrecks in the Keys than the Cayman Salvager. (I still enjoyed diving it though, but wouldn't recommend it over many other wrecks).

I wonder if the key largo and the key west wrecks are very different from each other or spending more time at Key largo would be advisable?

The reefs in Key West aren't that great either. In my opinion, besides diving the Vandenberg, there are much better places in the Keys go to diving than Key West.

Key Largo and other locations in the Keys top it easily....

 

[rashfash]

So, from your responses, I'm convinced that reefs in Key West aren't really something to look forward to, and to hire a guide to do the wrecks in Key Largo. I'm gonna talk to a few dive operators and see how best they can accomodate someone with our experience level. So far, the one's I've spoken to have been super useful, so am super excited to go dive Key Largo! Thanks, you guys!